While there’s some very interesting and intricate pieces here I feel like they’ve downsized in recent years and to get the full experience you have to get a guided tour which only happens twice a day it seems. There also used to be a kid’s play area there for years that isn’t there anymore is disappointing since my family had such good memories there.

Beautiful gardens. Small and easy walking. Entered through the main entrance with plenty of parking. Right off the parking lot is a little free library and a picnic area. Most of the park is in shade with easy well groomed walking paths. This would be a great place to bring young kids- they allow tricycles and big wheels for kids but no bikes.

Love this museum. Friendly people. Great exhibits!

This is a neat museum at Old Salem. They have lots of beautiful furniture and decorative objects on display. We find the staff can be unfriendly. I would recommend checking it out while visiting Old Salem,

Great place to learn some history and bring the kids!

The museum was interesting to us because my wife has ancestors from the area. But I felt the entry fee was high for what you got. Even with asking a lot of question, taking pictures and looking at everything (including the gift shop) we were done in under an hour ($20 for the 2 of us).

MESDA is a gem for those interested in furniture, pottery, paintings and artifacts from the early Southeast. Amazing craftsmanship! This place is a must see for furniture lovers.

Love this place, and it can be quiet during the off-season so I definitely recommend getting a tour of the other rooms, its practically a private tour.

Fantastic place. Do the behind the scenes tour if you can. Docent led tour of the museum plus 30 behind the scenes rooms. The building is bigger than it looks! Dont miss the Dianne Furr Moravian Arts Gallery downstairs, either!

Great museum! The exhibits are well thought, interesting and a great look at decorative arts. What an unexpected find.

There is nothing else like MESDA! You just have to visit and take in the experience of historical discovery in a modern, peaceful setting. Make time for MESDA on your next visit to Old Salem. Youll be glad you did!

Great museum showing furniture and art displays from the past. Dont miss this museum when youre in Old Salem.

The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts at Old Salem houses the finest collection of decorative arts objects made and used by those living and working in the early South. They are absolutely correct with that claim. During the past few years, MESDA has completely renovated almost every gallery in the museum, with the last few galleries slated for completion in October 2015. The new MESDA isnt even remotely warehouselike (I dont know how Google arrived at that description). Once renovations are complete, there will be two new galleries that are completely self-guided; for those who have the time or prefer, the 45 minute docent-guided tours will continue to provide a more thorough exposure to the spectacular collection of furniture, maps, textiles, weapons, and various other decorative arts produced by Southern artisans. Until the renovations are complete, the guided tours may be impacted a bit by construction.

Great displays, but mostly furniture. This represents the history of furniture business in local area but may not be what everyone wants to see.

Great place many beautiful things

Must see

Informed staff

The hostesses were wonderful and very knowledgeable.

So many gorgeous pieces, just wow!